| A wireless router is a great idea for networking | | | | There are several things that you can do to make |
| computers that are not right next to each other. | | | | your wireless network more secure. One thing is that |
| However, having a wireless router can pose a large | | | | you can look at the access point on your router. It may |
| threat to your computers' security. Take a look at how | | | | allow you to control the strength of your router's signal |
| you can protect your wireless network from spyware, | | | | and the direction in which the signal can go. You can |
| malware, viruses, and third party invasions. | | | | test out how low you can make the signal so that it |
| The benefits of a wireless router: | | | | can still work in your home or office. Be aware though, |
| There are a wide variety of reasons to use a wireless | | | | that some experienced hackers do have software to |
| networking router. First of all, it is fairly inexpensive, | | | | detect all signals. So you do have the chance of |
| simple to set up and use, and gives the user a great | | | | encountering something like that. |
| deal of mobility options. There are no messy cables | | | | Another thing you can do is to password-protect your |
| connecting one computer to another or to a cable | | | | router. Typically, when you set up your wireless router, |
| modem. Having a wireless router is like having | | | | the software you install gives you a password. Well, of |
| computer freedom. But as with all freedoms, you will | | | | course the hackers are aware of this. So, check with |
| typically find yourself trying to protect it. | | | | the particular brand of router that you have and find |
| How does your wireless network router become | | | | out how to change that password. This will make it |
| insecure? | | | | much more difficult for hackers to get in. |
| Well, think about it this way: the signal that a wireless | | | | You can also put a limit on the number of user |
| router gives off will typically go far beyond your home | | | | addresses that you have on your wireless network |
| or your office. Because of this fact, anyone in the | | | | router. This means that you can assign only enough |
| vicinity of your area who has access to a slightly | | | | addresses as you need to give to your valid users. |
| powerful antenna and some common hacking | | | | This means of protection works very well, because if |
| software can scan all of the data in your network. | | | | everyone in your home or business logs on, but some |
| And to make matters worse, this person does not | | | | people can't connect to the network, then you have |
| even have to be in a stationary position where you | | | | proof that someone is illegally logging on to your |
| might easily spot him or her. No, he or she can simply | | | | wireless network router. |
| be passing by your home or office in a car! | | | | Make sure that you take the time to make your |
| So, how can you protect your wireless network from | | | | network secure. It is worth the hassles that you may |
| hackers? | | | | encounter otherwise! |